Optio 750z

Optio 750z

Pentax Optio 750z Review

By
Movable Type Admin

Review posted 11/9/2004

Click on the Optio750Z to take a 360° QuickTime VR tour

The Optio750Z is the 2004 flagship of Pentax's Optio line of digital cameras. It features a high resolution 7.0-megapixel imager coupled with a high-performance smc PENTAX 5X optical zoom lens. The Optio750Z resembles a classic 35mm rangefinder type camera with its durable and stylish aluminum alloy exterior accented by leather-grained rubber panels.

The camera's 10 shooting modes (Program, Aperture-priority AE, Shutter-priority AE, Metered Manual, USER, Picture, Panorama assist, 3D image, Digital filter and Movie) allow users from novice to advanced level to capture the best possible images in any shooting situation. The 1.8-inch, low-reflection LCD monitor swivels 180° horizontally and 270° vertically to allow you to shoot at any angle and has 100% coverage of the captured frame. The Pentax 5X optical zoom lens offers a focal range equivalent to that of a 37.5-187.5mm lens on a 35mm camera. In Macro mode, the user can shoot from as close as 15cm from the subject at all zoom ranges and when the zoom is set at the wide mode end, the user can move in closer still to about 2cm from the subject.

Autofocusing precision and speed have both been enhanced by the incorporation of hybrid AF. Combining TTL contrast detection with an external passive sensor, it allows the photographer to choose from Wide AF, Spot AF and 11-point area selectable AF, and also features an auxiliary AF-assist lamp to achieve the best possible results when shooting in low light.

Still images can be saved in standard JPEG compressed format with one of three quality levels or in TIFF uncompressed format for post-capture editing with no compression artifacts. In addition to high resolution still images the Optio750Z also captures VGA video with sound at a rate of 30fps (frames per second) with 640 x 480 recorded pixels up to the full available capacity of the memory card. The Optio750Z is also equipped with a Voice recording mode that records audio only.

Advanced features include: Five auto bracketing functions that allow shooting with different levels of exposure, white balance, sharpness, saturation or contrast. Digital filter function that's effective not only at the time of shooting but also on recorded images during playback. Timed Interval shooting mode and Multiple exposure mode. Real-time histogram and warning display for overexposed (washed out) areas and under exposed (blacked out) areas. Digital exposure metering mode with display of EV values at up to two separate points on the monitor for high-precision metering. And much, much more...

The Optio750Z includes the latest version of ACDSee™ 5.1 software which makes it easy to retrieve, view, manage, print, enhance and share your digital photos. The Optio750Z is available now with a suggested retail price of $599.95.

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.